ETCOn board

OBC

ON BOARD COMPUTER

Safety and Productivity Combination

Primarily developed as safety equipment the OBC has evolved to also become a productivity tool.
Using a human-machine interface, the OBC guides the train driver with performance enhancing procedures to optimize transit time and fuel consumption, according to safety requirements.
The information set available to the driver includes current speed and maximum allowed speed (defined according to the route and speed restrictions); grades and curves (based on the network map and train location); and, icons and alerts on the current train status.
A feature known as Electronic Fence, which enforces compliance with movement authorities, implements a deceleration curve that stops the composition before the end of the section block authority limit. Dynamic speed control is also enforced by the OBC, stopping the train in an over-speeding situation.

Virtuous

Virtuous

SIL-4 Vital On Board Computer

VIRTUOUS is the onboard solution core, in which all the application processing is performed, being responsible for the main functions, such as: determining the positioning, the actual train speed, maximum authorized speed, and the electronic fence control functionality.

VIRTUOUS is a vital on-board computer developed for high integrity applications according to the process established by the IEC61508 standards for SIL4 applications. The functions that involve safety are implemented following the fail-safe principle (i.e. any failure takes the system to a more restrictive state).

HMI

HUMAN MACHINE INTERFACE

Data integration from on-board systems to one screen

Besides conducting the train, the driver is also responsible for monitoring all data from the locomotive on-board systems, which provides basic information for safe driving.
In order to support the driver to visually check all this equipment, ART developed its Human Machine Interface (HMI), a robust and reliable interface that provides data from all on-board systems on the locomotive to the driver in a visual and friendly way.

DAQ

DATA ACQUISITION MODULE

Locomotive’s interface with the on-board computer

Driving and operating a train involves interfacing to a lot of equipment installed both on-board and along the wayside. Organizing the information generated by these devices helps reduce the risk of operational incidents and can increase productivity, as it reduces unnecessary downtime and enables predictive maintenance.

MCF

COMMUNICATION MODULE

Enhancing railway communication

Influenced by technological advances, but mainly by safety, costs and productivity challenges, railways are migrating from traditional systems based on signaling and/or Train Orders (voice communications), to computer based systems grounded on telecommunication and on-board technology.

The solution developed by ART, the Communication Module (MCF), is a device that integrates different communication channels in a single solution (GPRS, UHF, satellite) and an integrated GPS application.

LCU

LOCOMOTIVE CABIN UNIT

Head of Train Device (HOTD)

For enhanced driving performance with safety, drivers need to access all the information from on-board equipment, specifically the End-of-Train (EOT) device, which sends information about the train integrity and reports the last wagon movements.

For trains that do not have on-board computers, ART provides the Locomotive Cabin Unit (LCU), a device that informs the driver of the full length of the train by an efficient algorithm that makes use of the GPS positioning information.

µScreen

MICROSCREEN

Touchscreen device for small vehicles

Although some rail vehicles have little room for equipment installation, information from on board devices and wayside equipment are fundamental.

ART has a series of human-machine interfaces designed for different operational scenarios. The μ-Screen is a tool developed to increase railway safety and productivity with a compact and robust touch screen.
It fits both locomotives and track vehicles and can be used for several applications on board the cabin including Electronic Fence and Dynamic Speed Control.